FOR many, Mounjaro has been a miracle weight-loss drug, offering hope and a new lease of life.
But as one woman discovered, the side effects that seem manageable on the surface can be a sign of something much more serious.
TikToker Vickie has issued a stark warning after a frightening hospital scare, urging others to listen to their bodies and not ignore the warning signs.
The video, shared on TikTok by user ‘ vickie4567 ‘, quickly gained over 91.9k views in just a few hours.
In it, Vickie recounts her journey, which began three months ago with the successful use of Mounjaro.
A passionate advocate for the medication , she revealed she had managed to lose “four or five stone” while on the 5mg dose.
Like many on the medication, she had a common, if unpleasant, side effect: sulphur burps, which she admitted to experiencing for many weeks.
But a few days ago, those familiar burps were followed by a trip to the hospital.
There, after a battery of tests including an IV drip, scans, bloods, and urine, she was given a terrifying diagnosis.
Doctors explained that Mounjaro had severely slowed her digestive system.
They also suspected a serious and life-threatening condition: pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, which is a known but rare side effect of the drug.
The doctors also linked her ongoing diarrhoea, which she had been treating with loperamide, to a possible bowel twist.
Vickie’s sobering realisation came during her hospital stay.
“I have been poorly for a long time,” she admits, adding that she had been ignoring a number of symptoms, from feeling sick and having stomachaches to constant headaches.
It was a wake-up call to not dismiss the body’s warning signs.
Her candid story gained 688 likes and spurred a wave of comments.
It affects everyone differently
TikTok comment
While many were sympathetic, others shared their contrasting experiences.
One user commented: “Omg mate hope you get better soon that’s well bad.”
While another expressed concern: “Omg! I was on this for a month and considered taking it again but i’m gonna second think about this.”
A third user offered a different perspective, noting: “It affects everyone differently.
“I’ve been on it since December and lost nearly seven stone,” adding that the medication had positively impacted their liver health .
What to do if you lose too much weight too quickly whilst on Mounjaro
IF you're losing too much weight too quickly while on Mounjaro, it’s important to take action to avoid potential health risks like muscle loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and fatigue. Here’s what you can do:
Evaluate Your Caloric Intake
Mounjaro reduces appetite, which can make it easy to eat too little. If you’re losing weight too fast (more than two to three lbs per week after the initial adjustment period), try:
- Tracking your food intake to ensure you’re eating enough calories (apps like MyFitnessPal can help).
- Increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass (aim for 0.6–1g per pound of body weight).
- Adding healthy fats and complex carbs (e.g., avocados, nuts, whole grains) for balanced energy.
Adjust Your Dosage (With Doctor’s Approval)
If your weight loss is too rapid or causing side effects, your doctor may:
- Pause dose increases or lower your dosage.
- Adjust your treatment plan to stabilise your weight loss.
Strength Training & Exercise
To prevent muscle loss:
- Incorporate resistance training at least two to three times per week.
- Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or yoga.
Hydrate & Manage Electrolytes
- Drink enough water (Mounjaro can reduce thirst).
- Electrolytes matter – Consider adding magnesium, sodium, and potassium if you feel weak or fatigued.
Monitor for Malnutrition & Deficiencies
Rapid weight loss can cause vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and electrolytes). If you experience:
- Fatigue, hair loss, or dizziness, ask your doctor about supplements.
Consider Further Medical Guidance
If your weight loss is excessive or causing health concerns, speak with your healthcare provider.
They might adjust your dosage, diet, or exercise plan to help stabilise your weight loss.
